Battered upcountry railway track on its way to former scenic splendour View(s):By Rekha Tharangani FonsekaThe Railway Department was able to restore a 68-kilometre stretch of track between Badulla and Ambewela within 23 days after Cyclone Ditwah caused damage to the upcountry railway track in 26 places. The track was restored with the support of the Railway workforce, officers of the National Building Research Organisation, the tri-forces, and a volunteer nongovernmental organisation. As a result of the track between the two stations being restored, the Class S14 power set was deployed yesterday. As the upcountry railway line is a major tourist attraction, measures are being taken to restore other affected parts of the track as well. This decision came after the Transport Minister, Bimal Ratnayake, and Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya with a team of Railway officials went on an observation tour to identify the damage done to the upcountry railway track.

Source: Sunday Times December 21, 2025 10:28 UTC